Estoril MotoGP: Jorge Lorenzo to test Yamaha MotoGP bike in Japan

New Yamaha MotoGP recruit Jorge Lorenzo will test a factory YZR-M1 800 machine for the second time in a one-day session after next weekend’s Japanese GP in the Twin Ring Motegi.

The reigning world 250 champion will join current Fiat Yamaha duo Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards at the test, with Jorge Lorenzo replacing Colin Edwards in the factory team in 2008.

American Edwards will move to the Tech 3 squad and partner current World Superbike championship leader James Toseland.

The Spaniard made his Yamaha YZR-M1 debut in a private test session at the Almeria circuit during the August summer break. He completed a handful of laps to familiarise himself with the YZR-M1, but the Motegi test session on September 24, 2007, will be his first serious outing.

Jorge Lorenzo will begin his preparation for 2008 immediately after the final round of the season with a one-and-a-half day test in Valencia. He will then ride in Malaysia for three days in mid-November, before completing a further three days in Jerez before the seven-week winter testing ban kicks in on December 1, 2007.